Trans rapist jailed after string of horrific attacks on three young girls

The victims, whose identities are protected by law, were aged between eight and 15.

Johnston, who lives in Broxburn, West Lothian, maintained innocence throughout the trial but was found guilty last month at the High Court in Livingston.

The convictions included lewd and indecent conduct, rape and sexual assault.

Lord Mulholland handed down the sentence at Edinburgh High Court on Friday after previously delaying proceedings to obtain background reports on the offender.

The judge said Johnston had "robbed" the young victims of their innocence and happiness.

He said the sentence reflected Johnston’s complete lack of remorse.

"The rapes of young children is a very serious matter and a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed on those who commit such crimes," Lord Mulholland said.

The court heard the first victim was just nine years old when the abuse began.

Johnston subjected the child to indecent acts, sexual assault and rape.

A second girl was raped at a property in Livingston between March 2011 and September 2012.

The third victim, aged 15, was sexually assaulted between March and April 2012.

The judge told the 34-year-old: "These are very serious offences to rape children. You'll pay a very heavy price for what you did.

"What you did corrupted their innocence and early childhood years. You have robbed them of their childhood and caused them long lasting psychological damage."

Johnathan Crowe, defending, told the court his client had experienced a "troubled childhood" and currently takes medication for anxiety and panic attacks.

Johnston's status as a first-time offender was considered alongside the lack of remorse shown.

The court also ordered that Johnston be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

The case has reignited debate over Scottish prison policy for transgender inmates.

Campaign group For Women Scotland is currently pursuing legal action to challenge government rules allowing biological males to be housed in female prisons under certain conditions.

Rhona Hotchkiss, former governor of Cornton Vale prison in Stirling until 2017, warned in February that the current policy could allow Johnston to request placement in a women’s facility.

"Until ministers make clear that no men will be allowed in women's prisons, there is always going to be risks to female inmates," she told the Sunday Mail.

Ms Hotchkiss described the Scottish Government’s transgender prisoner policy as "ambiguous" and "illogical."

She said Johnston could potentially pursue a legal claim of discrimination under the current guidelines.

For Women Scotland has asked Judge Lady Ross to rule that only biological women can lawfully be held in female prisons.

Her judgment is expected later this year.

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